Established in 1993 through the efforts of leaders within the civic, corporate, banking, and non-profit communities, First Step Fund is a nonprofit organization providing training and ongoing support to low- to moderate-income individuals wanting to start or enhance small businesses.
Typically, the businesses started by clients are microenterprises, meaning that they have five or fewer employees and need start-up capital under $35,000.
To celebrate their anniversary, First Step Fund will host a luncheon event on Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center. Vanessa Finley, Executive Director stated, “This year’s theme will focus on the accomplishments of First Step Fund since we opened our doors, as well as discussing how supporting local businesses significantly boosts the Kansas City economy. It’s important that we spend our dollars locally to ensure Kansas City’s business owners survive and thrive through our country’s recession.”
In addition to the luncheon, graduates will host a marketplace of their products, and there will be a raffle for gift baskets containing items donated by Kansas City’s unique shopping regions (including Waldo, City Market and Westport). For more information and to purchase tickets for the luncheon and raffle, please contact First Step Fund at 816.235.6116 or visit its web site at www.firststepfund.org.